First prize goes to 18Wheeleralthough Genghis was on the scent.
It was indeed the 747. Described by the author as [i]an airship with wings on it[/].
I find it fascinating that an everyday plane can be made to go at Mach 1. That's a significant chunk off a long haul journey time albeit at considerable extra fuel expense no doubt. Goes back to earlier discussions on why jets still don't fly faster. There are plenty of engines above 50000 pounds that could get the 747 cruising faster.
I wonder what it would take to hold Mach 0.99 at 40000 feet?